Journal of endourology
-
Journal of endourology · Jun 2011
Comparative StudySurgical case volume in Canadian urology residency: a comparison of trends in open and minimally invasive surgical experience.
The application of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become increasingly common in urology training programs and clinical practice. Our objective was to review surgical case data from all 12 Canadian residency programs to identify trends in resident exposure to MIS and open procedures. ⋯ MIS constitutes an increasingly significant component of surgical volume in Canadian urology residencies with a reciprocal decrease in exposure to open surgery. These trends necessitate ongoing evaluation to maintain the integrity of postgraduate urologic training.
-
Journal of endourology · Jun 2011
Simple modifications in operating room processes to reduce the times and costs associated with robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) is the most expensive, yet most common, surgical treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Furthermore, its popularity continues to grow despite the lack of evidence for functional and oncologic superiority over other treatments. As a result, we modified operating room (OR) processes to determine if the times and costs that are associated with RALRP in an academic setting could be reduced. ⋯ Using simple modifications, it is possible that RALRP efficiency can be improved by decreasing its associated times and costs. These modifications were implemented in an academic setting but may be used in any institution. These modifications represent an initial attempt to improve RALRP cost-competitiveness with other treatment modalities.